Brooklyn can't bend it like dad

David Beckham may be more than welcome playing football in Spain - but his sons Brooklyn and Romeo may have to wait a while before taking part in a game.

That is because Spain, a nation of soccer lovers, bans any foreigner from taking part in amateur matches until they are aged 23, and the young Beckhams are only five and two.

Now the European Commission is threatening the country with legal action over the law, which also bans foreigners of any age from joining in national amateur tournaments.

The Commission has warned Spain to change the rules or face the European court for breaching anti-discrimination laws.

A spokesman said: 'Is there any reason why a European citizen in a member state other than his or her own should be able to vote when their children are not allowed to take part in amateur competitions?'